Casino style dealer button with built-in timer

ABSTRACT

A casino style dealer button with a built-in timer that includes a circular cylindrical body with an upper and lower surface and a continuous sidewall. Also, this device has a diameter and a thickness that are very similar to the diameter and thickness of a standard sized casino style dealer button. Built into the body of the dealer button is a timer, a startstop/on/off button, a minute-setting button to set the duration of each round, and a speaker to emit an audible beeping sound to signify when time has elapsed. The casino style dealer button with a built-in timer will accurately monitor the duration of each round during play while also keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper order of play.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the provisional U.S. patent application entitled, “CASINO STYLE DEALER BUTTON WITH BUILT-IN TIMER”, Ser. No. 60/723,306, filing date, Oct. 4, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gambling accessories and, more particularly, to casino style dealer buttons. The present invention is also particularly, though not exclusively, useful for a dealer or players to keep track of time as well as the dealer position during the course of play.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recently, there has been a huge boom in the world of poker, namely Texas Hold 'Em. This is particularly due to the great exposure on television, and this has translated into millions of poker players around the world. This industry is growing very rapidly and continues to become more popular. Thus, the number of poker games offered in casinos, available online, and in households everywhere has also grown rapidly.

However, in all of these poker games, the dealer and the players will typically have a dealer button that rotates around the table in order to keep track of the dealer position for each hand. After every hand is played, the dealer button is rotated one position in a clockwise direction and continues in this manner. Keeping track of the dealer position is a crucial function in the game of poker and is very relevant to the course of play as it indicates the order in which players will act. Without such a device, the game will run the risk of having players act out of turn, which will affect the proper flow of the game as well as its integrity. Players acting out of turn can dramatically alter the players' decisions and the outcome of the game. Thus, it is important to always know the proper order for action by each player, which is indicated by the position of the dealer button.

In the game of poker, especially in tournament play, keeping track of time is also a critical component. For example, poker tournaments usually consist of many different rounds with each round being of a certain duration, which can vary from tournament to tournament and even from round to round. For instance, each round may last anywhere between several minutes up to several hours. Thus, there is a need for a timer device in order to accurately monitor the duration of each round of the tournament and to signify the end of each round.. Finally, there is a need for a device that can be easily handled and that does not take up excessive space on the playing surface so that it does not interfere with the course of play.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a casino style dealer button with a built-in timer that will accurately monitor the time as well as the dealer position during the course of play. The present invention includes a circular cylindrical body with an upper and lower surface and a continuous sidewall. Also, this device has a diameter and a thickness that are very similar to the diameter and thickness of a standard sized casino style dealer button.

Built into the body of the dealer button is a timer, a start/stop/on/off button, a minute-setting button to set the duration, and a speaker to emit an audible beeping sound to signify when time has elapsed. Besides having individual and independent functions, the two buttons also serve multiple functions such that if they are pressed simultaneously, the preset time will be erased and the timer can be reset. The two buttons are also oriented so that they face outward and are flush with the continuous sidewall. The timer will have an LED or LCD display that will face upward. The timer may be activated by pressing the start button, which also serves as a stop button as well in order to deactivate the timer. This same button also acts as the on and off switch for the device. However, the amount of time to be kept during play can be set by the other button, which is the minute-setting button to set the duration. Lastly, if the first button and the second button, which are the start/stop/on/off button and the minute-setting button, are pressed simultaneously, the preset time will be erased and the timer can be reset.

The casino style dealer button with a built-in timer may also include a speaker which acts as an alarm that emits an audible beeping sound through a small hole formed in the continuous sidewall of the circular cylindrical body. Besides providing a visual and audio method to monitor the time, the casino style dealer button can also be used to keep track of the dealer position in order to maintain the proper order of play.

The casino style dealer button with a built-in timer of the present invention will accurately monitor the duration of each round during play while also keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper order of play. The present invention also serves as a casino style dealer button that can be easily handled and that does not consume too much space on the playing surface so as not to interfere with the course of play, especially since it is a continuous and vital component of the game. Also, the present invention combines two poker accessories, a dealer button and a timer, into one device in order to be less obtrusive yet easily visible to all players and the dealer. The present invention also provides both a visual and an audio method of keeping track of time during the course of play. Finally, the present invention provides a casino style dealer button with a built-in timer that is fairly simple to manufacture, fairly simple to use, and is also relatively affordable.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a casino style dealer button with a built-in timer that will accurately monitor the duration of each round during play while also keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper order of play.

It is another object of the invention to provide a casino style dealer button that can be easily handled and that does not consume too much space on the playing surface so as not to interfere with the course of play, especially since it is a continuous and vital component of the game.

It is another object of the invention to combine two poker accessories, a dealer button and a timer, into one device in order to be less obtrusive yet easily visible to all players and the dealer.

It is another object of the invention to provide both a visual and an audio method of keeping track of time during the course of play.

It is another object of the invention to provide a casino style dealer button with a built-in timer that is fairly simple to manufacture, fairly simple to use, and is also relatively affordable.

The foregoing, together with other features and advantages of the present invention, will become more apparent when referring to the specification, claims and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a casino style dealer button with a built-in timer of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a casino style dealer button with a built-in timer of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of a casino style dealer button with a built-in timer of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear side plan view of a casino style dealer button with a built-in timer of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front side plan view of a casino style dealer button with a built-in timer of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer of the present invention.

For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Initially referring to FIG. 1, the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer is depicted and generally designated 10. FIGS. 1 through 5 show that the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 includes a circular cylindrical body 12 with an upper surface 14, a lower surface 16, and a continuous side wall 18. The casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 has a 45 mm to 55 mm diameter and 4 mm to 8 mm height.

Incorporated into the circular cylindrical body 12 of the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 is a timer 24. In a preferred embodiment, the timer 24 may be flush with the upper surface 14 of the circular cylindrical body 12, and it may be a standard count-up timer with a light emitting diode (LED) or a liquid crystal diode (LCD) display. It can be appreciated that the timer 24 may be a count-down timer starting at fifteen minutes (15 min.), twenty minutes (20 min), thirty minutes (30 min), sixty minutes (60 min), or any other start time chosen by the user. It can also be appreciated that the timer 24 may count up to variable wait times, such as fifteen, twenty, thirty, and sixty minutes.

Also incorporated into the circular cylindrical body 12 is a minute-setting button 20 and a start/stop/on/off button 22. These buttons 20 and 22 may each be flush with the continuous side wall 18 of the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10. In a preferred embodiment, the minute-setting button 20 may set the duration of time in minutes, the start/stop/on/off button 22 may activate the timer 24 and may also deactivate the timer 24. This start/stop/on/off button 22 may also act as the on and off switch for the timer 24. Lastly, if the two buttons, which are the minute-setting button 20 and the start/stop/on/off button 22, are pressed simultaneously, the preset time will be erased and the timer 24 can be reset to zero. It can be appreciated that if the timer 24 is a count down timer, pressing start/stop/on/off button 22 after the time has expired will return the timer 24 to the chosen upper time, e.g. fifteen minutes (15 min.), twenty minutes (20 min), thirty minutes (30 min), sixty minutes (60 min), etc.

The continuous side wall 18 the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 may also be formed with a speaker hole 26 through which an audible beeping sound may be transmitted by a speaker (not shown) incorporated into the circular cylindrical body 12. The speaker (not shown) may beep when the target time has elapsed. It can also be appreciated that besides providing a visual and audio method to monitor the time, the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 can also be used to keep track of the dealer position in order to maintain the proper order of play.

The preferred embodiment, the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 may be manufactured from the same material as standard casino style dealer buttons, e.g., plastic, but it can be appreciated that any material well known in the art with similar characteristics may be used. Moreover, in a preferred embodiment, the diameter 30 and/or height 36 of the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 may be the same as the dimensions of a standard sized casino style dealer button.

On the upper surface 14, the dealer label 28 (DEALER) may identify the device as a casino style dealer button. Also, the dealer label 28 is debossed.

A standard sized casino style dealer button is typically forty-five to fifty-five millimeters (45-55 mm) in diameter 30 and four to eight millimeters (4-8 mm) in height 36.

The upper surface 14 and/or the lower surface 16 of the circular cylindrical body 12 may be emblazoned with the logo of any entity.

Referring to FIG. 3, incorporated into the lower surface 16 of the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 is a battery cover 34 which may be flush with the lower surface 16 and secures the battery 32 within the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10. The battery 32 provides power to the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10.

Description of the First Alternative Embodiment

Referring now to FIG. 6, a first alternative embodiment of the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 is depicted and designated 110. FIG. 6 shows that this embodiment of the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 includes three buttons 112, 114, 116 which collectively account for the start, stop, on, off, reset, and minute-setting functions and which are incorporated into the circular cylindrical body 12. These three buttons 112, 114, 116 may each be flush with the continuous side wall 18 of the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10.

Description of the Second Alternative Embodiment

Referring now to FIG. 7, a second alternative embodiment of the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 is depicted and designated 120. FIG. 7 shows that this embodiment of the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 includes a light 122 that may be flush with the upper surface 14. The light 122 turns on as a visual signal that the target time has elapsed.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims. 

1. A casino style dealer button with built-in timer for keeping time, the dealer button comprising: an upper surface; a lower surface; a side wall between the upper surface and lower surface; a timer in the upper surface; a battery cover in the lower surface a left button in the side wall between the upper surface and lower surface; a right button in the side wall between the upper surface and lower surface; a speaker hole in the opposite side wall between the upper surface and lower surface; the dealer button timer provides a means for accurately monitoring the duration of each round during play while also keeping track of the players position to determine the proper order of play. The player can enter the duration of time by pressing the left button. Then by pressing the right button, the timer will begin counting down to the preset time the player entered. The dealer button timer will automatically reset to the previsously set time the player entered at the end of every count down. To pause the dealer button timer during the duration of play, the player must press the right button. To reset the dealer button timer to zero again, the player must press both the left button and the right button simultaneously. The player can also manually shut off the timer by holding the right button down for five seconds.
 2. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for accurately monitoring the duration of each round during play while also keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper order of play comprises a circular, cylindrical casino style dealer button with built-in timer.
 3. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing shape and structure of a standard casino dealer button comprises a circular, cylindrical body.
 4. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing shape and structure of a standard casino dealer button comprises a smooth, circular upper surface.
 5. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing shape and structure of a standard casino dealer button comprises a smooth, circular lower surface.
 6. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing shape and structure of a standard casino dealer button comprises a smooth, cylindrical continuous side wall.
 7. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for setting the duration of time, comprises a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular minute-setting button. If pressed simultaneously with the start/stop/on/off button, the preset time will be erased and the timer can be reset.
 8. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for starting and stopping the timing function and for turning the device on and off, comprises a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular start/stop/on/off button. If pressed simultaneously with the minute-setting button, the preset time will be erased and the timer can be reset.
 9. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for displaying the time comprises a liquid crystal diode (lcd) display, slightly recessed from upper surface, rectangular timer.
 10. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing an opening through which a sound, such as a beep, can be transmitted, comprises a small opening that may be located on the side wall or may be located on the upper surface.
 11. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for identifying the device as a casino style dealer button comprises a debossed lettering dealer label.
 12. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said diameter is approximately forty-five to fifty-five millimeters (45-55 mm).
 13. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing power to the device comprises a circular, cylindrical battery.
 14. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for securing the battery within the device comprises a battery cover that is smooth and flush with the lower surface.
 15. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said height is approximately four to eight millimeters (4-8 mm).
 16. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for accurately monitoring the duration of each round during play while also keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper order of play, comprises a circular, cylindrical first alternative embodiment.
 17. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for setting the duration of time comprises a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular first alternative minute-setting button.
 18. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for erasing the preset time and resetting time comprises a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular reset button.
 19. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for starting and stopping the timing function and for turning the device on and off comprises a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular first alternative start/stop/on/off button.
 20. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for accurately monitoring the duration of each round during play while also keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper order of play, comprises a circular, cylindrical second alternative embodiment.
 21. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for provides a visual signal such as a light comprises a light emitting diode (LED) light.
 22. A casino style dealer button with built-in timer for keeping time during play while also combining two poker accessories, the dealer button and a timer into one device, comprising: a circular, cylindrical casino style dealer button with built-in timer, for accurately monitoring the duration of each round during play while also keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper order of play; a circular, cylindrical circular cylindrical body, for providing shape and structure of a standard casino dealer button; a smooth, circular upper surface, for providing shape and structure of a standard casino dealer button; a smooth, circular lower surface, for providing shape and structure of a standard casino dealer button; a smooth, cylindrical continuous sidewall, for providing shape and structure of a standard casino dealer button; a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular minute-setting button, for setting the duration of time. if pressed simultaneously with the start/stop/on/off button, the preset time will be erased and the timer can be reset; a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular start/stop/on/off button, for starting and stopping the timing function and for turning the device on and off. if pressed simultaneously with the minute-setting button, the preset time will be erased and the timer can be reset; a liquid crystal diode (lcd) display, slightly recessed from upper surface, rectangular timer, for displaying the time; a small opening, may be located on the side wall, may be located on the upper surface speaker hole, for providing an opening through which a sound, such as a beep, can be transmitted; a debossed lettering dealer label, for identifying the device as a casino style dealer button; a 45 mm to 55 mm diameter; a circular, cylindrical battery, for providing power to the device; a flush with lower surface, smooth battery cover, for securing the battery within the device; a 4 mm to 8 mm height, for <purpose>; a circular, cylindrical first alternative embodiment, for accurately monitoring the duration of each round during play while also keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper order of play; a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular first alternative minute-setting button, for setting the duration of time; a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular reset button, for erasing the preset time and resetting time; a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular first alternative start/stop/on/off button, for starting and stopping the timing function and for turning the device on and off; a circular, cylindrical second alternative embodiment, for accurately monitoring the duration of each round during play while also keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper order of play; and a light emitting diode (LED) light, for provides a visual signal such as a light.
 23. A casino style dealer button with built-in timer for keeping time during play while also combining two poker accessories, the dealer button and a timer into one device, comprising: a circular, cylindrical casino style dealer button with built-in timer, for accurately monitoring the duration of each round during play while also keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper order of play; a circular, cylindrical circular cylindrical body, for providing shape and structure of a standard casino dealer button; a smooth, circular upper surface, for providing shape and structure of a standard casino dealer button; a smooth, circular lower surface, for providing shape and structure of a standard casino dealer button; a smooth, cylindrical continuous sidewall, for providing shape and structure of a standard casino dealer button; a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular minute-setting button, for setting the duration of time. if pressed simultaneously with the start/stop/on/off button, the preset time will be erased and the timer can be reset; a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular start/stop/on/off button, for starting and stopping the timing function and for turning the device on and off. if pressed simultaneously with the minute-setting button, the preset time will be erased and the timer can be reset; a liquid crystal diode (lcd) display, slightly recessed from upper surface, rectangular timer, for displaying the time; a small opening, may be located on the side wall, may be located on the upper surface speaker hole, for providing an opening through which a sound, such as a beep, can be transmitted; a debossed lettering dealer label, for identifying the device as a casino style dealer button; a 45 mm to 55 mm diameter; a circular, cylindrical battery, for providing power to the device; a flush with lower surface, smooth battery cover, for securing the battery within the device; a 4 mm to 8 mm height, for <purpose>; a circular, cylindrical first alternative embodiment, for accurately monitoring the duration of each round during play while also keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper order of play; a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular first alternative minute-setting button, for setting the duration of time; a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular reset button, for erasing the preset time and resetting time; a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular first alternative start/stop/on/off button, for starting and stopping the timing function and for turning the device on and off; a circular, cylindrical second alternative embodiment, for accurately monitoring the duration of each round during play while also keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper order of play; and a light emitting diode (LED) light, for provides a visual signal such as a light. 